The hitch is that Marquez's promoter, Golden Boy, has the contractual opportunity to match the deal, and its chief executive says he plans to.

Golden Boy Chairman Richard Schaefer told The Times that it's his understanding Marquez has agreed to a Pacquiao fight at a lowered welterweight catch weight of 144 pounds, with $5 million guaranteed for Marquez.

If Golden Boy matches Marquez's purse, it could put him in the ring against another opponent.

Pacquiao and Marquez battled to a 2004 draw, and Pacquiao won a split decision in 2008.

Schaefer said he has an open date booked Sept. 17 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. One possibility is that Marquez could fight that day against welterweight world champion Victor Ortiz of Oxnard.

Ortiz has fought at 140 pounds, so he could fight at 144 too, Schaefer said.

Regarding the finances, Schaefer said he was confident Golden Boy could secure a $5-million payday for Marquez, saying, "I'm sure HBO would be on board" to help finance the bout.

Schaefer said there's a possibility that super-welterweight world champion Saul "Canelo" Alvarez could stage a title defense on the Sept. 17 card.